Isaiah Washington, Common, Kimberly Elise on List of Grand Jury Nods at 16th ABFF

*NEW YORK, NY – Film Life Inc., today announced the Narrative Features Competition selections and Grand Jury Award nominees for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20th – 23rd. Kimberly Elise, Isaiah Washington, Common and S. Epatha Merkerson are among the stellar list of thespians nominated to receive the Grand Jury prize for their work.

Isaiah Washington and Malinda in a scene from Russ Parr's 'The Undershepherd'

The films in ABFF’s 2012 Narrative Features section reflect a creative multiplicity which can be seen, felt and heard in controversy through rhythmic Jamaican patois (Better Mus’ Come) to a young Parisian woman’s search for her father (Elza). Struggle and disappointment between generations is candidly explored (LUV) and two men of the cloth face consequences (The Undershepherd).

Each film in the narrative features section must be directed by a person of African descent, tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role. Films that are submitted for consideration are reviewed by a team of film industry professionals, which comprises the ABFF’s screening committee. Each film is graded on artistic merit and impactful subject matter. As this year’s Grand Jury President, Actor, Mekhi Phifer (“Lie to Me,” “ER”) will serve as a judge and will present prizes in front of the festival audience at The Winners Circle awards presentation on the closing day of the festival.

The complete list of the 2012 Narrative Feature films is as follows:

BETTER MUS’ COME
Written and directed by Storm Saulter, produced by Paul Bucknor
CAST: Sheldon Shepherd, Nicole ‘Sky’ Grey, Everaldo Creary, Ricardo Orgill and
Roger Guenveur Smith
SYNOPSIS: The film follows warring political factions in 1970s Jamaica as they enlist the support of gangs to enforce their policies and advanced their political agenda.
THE DARK PARTY
Written by William Wells, Kadeem Hardison, Salenta Baisden and Terry Wilkerson, produced by Terry Wilkerson, Deji LaRay, Salenta Baisden and William Wells, directed by Kadeem Hardison
CAST: Kadeem Hardison, Marcus Patrick and Tiffany Hines
SYNOPSIS: When two best friends want to find true love, a radio talk psychologist helps them throw the ultimate blind date party and serous social experiment.

THE LAST FALL
Written and directed by Matthew Cherry, produced by Ellis Hobbs, Monique Hobbs, Nikki Love and Scott Hebert
CAST: Lance Gross, Nicole Behari, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Obba Babatundé, Darrin DeWitt Henson, Michael Moss, Harry Lennix, Keith David
SYNOPSIS: An NFL journeyman struggles to deal with life’s complexities after his professional career is over at twenty-five.

LUV
Written and directed by Sheldon Candis and Justin Wilson, produced by Jason Berman, Datari Turner, W. Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Joel Newton, James Rosenthal, Common and Derek Dudley
CAST: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Michael Kenneth Williams and Meagan Good
SYNOPSIS: An orphaned eleven-year-old boy is forced to face an unpleasant truth about his beloved uncle during one harrowing day in the streets of Baltimore.

ELZA
Written and directed by Mariette MonPierre and Mama Keita, produced by Mariette MonPierre, Gerard LaCroix, Eric Basset
CAST: Stana Roumillac, Vincent Byrd Le Sage, Christophe Cherki, Sophie Berger
SYNOPSIS: A young Parisian woman of Caribbean descent returns to her native island of Guadeloupe in search of the father she has never known.

THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Produced and directed by Russ Parr, produced by Russ Parr, Eric Tomosunas, Scott Aronson and Isaiah Washington
CAST: Isaiah Washington, Louis Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Robinne Lee, Clifton Powell, Keith David and John Wesley
SYNOPSIS: Two minister’s opposing decisions destroy their friendship as the ascension of evil verses the struggle of an honest church impact the entire community.
Film awards presented include: Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, sponsored by Ciroc; Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, sponsored by Cadillac; Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor, sponsored by Gold Peak Tea; Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, sponsored by BET Networks; and Best Documentary sponsored by CNN. Prizes will be presented at ABFF’s culminating ceremony, The Winners Circle on June 23.

The four films in the narrative features category compete for ABFF’s Grand Jury Prizes for:
Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Best Actor, presented by Gold Peak Tea
Best Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks

The specific nominees are as follows:
Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Mariettte MonPierre and Mama Keita – ELZA
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Sheldon Candis – LUV
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME

Grand Jury Prize Best Performance by an Actor (Male or Female), presented by Gold Peak Tea
Common – LUV
Lance Gross – THE LAST FALL
Sheldon Sheppard – BETTER MUS’ COME
Isaiah Washington – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Nicole Behari – THE LAST FALL
Kimberly Elise – TIES THAT BIND
Malinda Williams – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks
THE LAST FALL
ELZA
LUV
THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, presented by CNN
THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf
FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince
THINK NFL, LOVE DAD (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser
SOUL FOOD JUNKIES, directed by Byron Hurt

Facebook Co-Founder “Could be barred from re-entering US” for dodging tax obligations of Facebook IPO

By: Crawford Madison

US Immigration officials are making plans to bar Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin from entering the United States, after he reportedly renounced his United States Citizenship to dodge a huge tax bill from the highly anticipated Facebook IPO. US Immigration law provisions has rules regarding dumping his citizen to dodge US taxes. “There’s a specific provision of immigration law that says that a former citizen who officially renounces citizenship, and is determined to have renounced it for the purpose of avoiding taxation, is excludable,”

Facebook Co-Founder, Eduardo Saverin

Saverin, who was born in Brazil and educated at Harvard University and has recently moved to Singapore told the NY Times “This had nothing to do with taxes,”. “I was born in Brazil, I was an American citizen for about 10 years. I thought of myself as a global citizen.” The Facebook co-founder claims renouncing had nothing to do with his estimated 3 billion dollar stake in the social media company’s initial public offering. However, his renouncing his US citizenship could save him at least tens — if not hundreds — of millions of dollars. Although the provision of the law is rarely enforced, legal experts feel a high profile individual like Saverin could be hard to ignore. The alarm has sounded as two senators have already made moves to thwart Saverin and other tax dodgers.

Under the law, immigration experts say, his only likely option would be to apply for a temporary visa under a waiver — permanent residency and citizenship are essentially out of the question. But even visiting would require him to first admit he renounced his citizenship for tax purposes.

See terms of Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship below

One Caribbean International Presents: CELEBRITY SOCCER CULTURAL FEST – THE BIGGEST FAMILY FUN DAY!

Fort Lauderdale – On Memorial Day, May 28th all roads will lead to the greatest Celebrity Soccer Cultural Festival in South Florida “Celebrating Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence.”

One Caribbean International’s will be hosting its’ 7th annual festival and Yes Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence at Central Broward Regional Park, located at 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill FL 33311 (Sunrise Boulevard and 441).

This year’s Celebrity Soccer Cultural Festival as in the past promises to be a Momentous Event, with an anticipated 10,000 plus fans, eager to see Gospel, Secular & Haiti’s’ most spectacular and enchanting artist gracing the same stage.

For the first time ever in Fort Lauderdale one of Haiti’s leading Kompa bands DJAKOUT will perform live along with some of our best Reggae, Gospel & Haitian Artist.

This list includes but is not limited to: **Sasha, Nigel Lewis, Peninslyn, Abi McDonald, Osmond Collins, Bridgette Blucher, Sharon Wiles, Ann Marie, Kristina Alicia, Paul Morris, Troy Genius, Cliffton Thompson, Second Chance, Brother Robert, St. Matthew, Kari Diamond, Debbie Verbz **Khago, Anthony Cruz, Wayne Wonder, Jagga B., Honorable, Di Genius, Tony Matterhorn, Macka Diamond, Little Hero, Stumpa, Musical, Jah Yute, Zeke Don, ** J-Perry Pequero Top Adlerman DeJean & Peter, Suav Mizik.and too many selectors and sounds from all parts of the country to name.

Games includes, Jamaica vs. Haiti & Christian vs. Sinners

Artists, Selectors & Promoters will compete for this year’s two most sought after trophies “Jamaica’s 50th” & “Living the Life”

Family Fun & Activities

Special performances from Blanche Ely High School Band, led by Director Richard Beckford This will leave people talking for days, an awesome high school band lead by a sure fire director. A leader holding his own with many successes under his belt from Carl City High on to Blanche Ely High we honor Mr. Beckford for his devoted time spent teaching our youth. “We know they are going to shut it down!”

BSO are bringing out their Mounted Trained Horses, there will be bounce houses, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn provided by Perfect Polly Party, Twins Gymnastics will be bringing their karate and cheer leading kids to perform and interact with our kids.

“THERE WILL BE SO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR THE YOUTH”

Vendors of all cultures will be there for your eating pleasure, our goal is to maintain culture awareness in our communities while remembering Jamaica’s Moto “Out of Many One People” that is why we are not leaving out this year’s 2012 election there will be an onsite Rep from Broward County’s Voter Registration to make sure no vote is left out.

Tickets are going fast so get yours early! Tickets are $20.00 in advance at the gate you pay more, children 12 and under get in Free! Parking will be available at a low price of $10.00 per space. Tickets are available at various ticket outlets locally or online at WWW.SFCELEBRITYSOCCERFEST.COM Partial proceeds to benefit Friends of Lupus foundation and Haiti.

Sponsors for 2012’s event: Metro PCS, Center For Career Training, Jamaica National, Digicel, Western Union, Grace, Dennis Shipping, Friedland & Associates, CoCo Nutz, Sunshine Holistic Health Care, The Credit Group, WBIG, Flexx FM, BMG, BSO, Top Chef, NRG, Robust Graphics Twins Gymnastics, South Rock Lounge, Mama’s Kitchen.

Haiti’s new PM: Mining laws being drafted

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Haiti’s new prime minister says his government is drafting legislation on a newly emerging mining industry to ensure the impoverished Caribbean nation reaps its fair share.

Laurent Lamothe says the legislation will be sent to Parliament soon. He says it will lay out rules apportioning royalties for the government and setting protections for the people and environment that could be affected by mines.

Laurent Lamothe

The plans for the legislation come after The Associated Press reported last week that two mining companies have begun drilling in Haiti’s northeastern mountains. They estimate that precious metals there are potentially worth $20 billion.

Mining laws in Haiti haven’t been revised since 1976.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

“Standing Your Ground” Is the law based on race or circumstance??? PART I

May 11, 2012

By Crawford Madison

Unless you have been under a rock or smoking them, one has heard about the hotly contested Florida law that allows individuals with a concealed weapon permit to “stand their ground”. The controversial law by statute is defined as follows: “Stand-your-ground law states that a person may use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first. “Stand your ground” governs U.S. federal case law in which right of self-defense is asserted against a charge of criminal homicide. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Beard v. U.S. (158 U.S. 550 (1895)), that a man who was “on his premises” when he came under attack and “…did not provoke the assault, and had at the time reasonable grounds to believe, and in good faith believed, that the deceased intended to take his life, or do him great bodily harm…was not obliged to retreat, nor to consider whether he could safely retreat, but was entitled to stand his ground.” Examine the facts and ask yourself why the law did not protect Marissa Alexander? Does a battered wife provoke an attack, or just a battered black women???.

In some cases, a person may use deadly force in public areas without a duty to retreat. Under these legal concepts, a person is justified in using deadly force in certain situations and the “stand your ground” law would be a defense or immunity to criminal charges and civil suit. The difference between immunity and a defense is that an immunity bars suit, charges, detention and arrest. A defense, such as an affirmative defense, permits a plaintiff or the state to seek civil damages or a criminal conviction but may offer mitigating circumstances that justifies the accused’s conduct.”

Marissa Alexander, 31

Marissa Alexander unsuccessfully applied the statute statue based on a Florida’s law to plead her case before Florida State Attorney Angela B Corey. The controversial “stand your ground” law failed to convince the jurors in her criminal case that the law applied specifically in her situation. Marissa, a 31 year old mother of three, and also allegedly a battered wife. A jury in March convicted her of aggravated assault after just 12 minutes of deliberation.

Marissa Alexander was sentenced to 20 years in prison, for firing a “warning shot” at her husband Rico Gray on August 1, 2010. Mrs. Alexander’s failed to invoke the “Stand Your Ground law” in her defense has presented an opportunity for the general public to decipher and pre-ponder if the statute is race specific, or unequivocally designed to protect any individual regardless of race, creed, or color. Allegedly Marissa’s husband beat her while she was pregnant. After yet another beating, Alexander fired a warning shot into the ceiling. Although that shot saved her life. Prosecutor Angela Corey did not take into account that Marissa Alexander: Had a court injunction against her crazed husband,in addition had Given Birth 9 Days Earlier, and was trained to use a weapon and possessed concealed weapons permit. Is the angry black woman an urban legend, or a overt tactic used to desecrate the image and character of women of color?

Will this case become a benchmark for the upcoming case of George Zimmwerman?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 GFBC Enterprises, Ltd.All Rights Reserved

Isaiah Washington, Common, Kimberly Elise on List of Grand Jury Nods at 16th ABFF

*NEW YORK, NY – Film Life Inc., today announced the Narrative Features Competition selections and Grand Jury Award nominees for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20th – 23rd. Kimberly Elise, Isaiah Washington, Common and S. Epatha Merkerson are among the stellar list of thespians nominated to receive the Grand Jury prize for their work.

Isaiah Washington and Malinda in a scene from Russ Parr's 'The Undershepherd'

The films in ABFF’s 2012 Narrative Features section reflect a creative multiplicity which can be seen, felt and heard in controversy through rhythmic Jamaican patois (Better Mus’ Come) to a young Parisian woman’s search for her father (Elza). Struggle and disappointment between generations is candidly explored (LUV) and two men of the cloth face consequences (The Undershepherd).

Each film in the narrative features section must be directed by a person of African descent, tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role. Films that are submitted for consideration are reviewed by a team of film industry professionals, which comprises the ABFF’s screening committee. Each film is graded on artistic merit and impactful subject matter. As this year’s Grand Jury President, Actor, Mekhi Phifer (“Lie to Me,” “ER”) will serve as a judge and will present prizes in front of the festival audience at The Winners Circle awards presentation on the closing day of the festival.

The complete list of the 2012 Narrative Feature films is as follows:

BETTER MUS’ COME
Written and directed by Storm Saulter, produced by Paul Bucknor
CAST: Sheldon Shepherd, Nicole ‘Sky’ Grey, Everaldo Creary, Ricardo Orgill and
Roger Guenveur Smith
SYNOPSIS: The film follows warring political factions in 1970s Jamaica as they enlist the support of gangs to enforce their policies and advanced their political agenda.
THE DARK PARTY
Written by William Wells, Kadeem Hardison, Salenta Baisden and Terry Wilkerson, produced by Terry Wilkerson, Deji LaRay, Salenta Baisden and William Wells, directed by Kadeem Hardison
CAST: Kadeem Hardison, Marcus Patrick and Tiffany Hines
SYNOPSIS: When two best friends want to find true love, a radio talk psychologist helps them throw the ultimate blind date party and serous social experiment.

THE LAST FALL
Written and directed by Matthew Cherry, produced by Ellis Hobbs, Monique Hobbs, Nikki Love and Scott Hebert
CAST: Lance Gross, Nicole Behari, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Obba Babatundé, Darrin DeWitt Henson, Michael Moss, Harry Lennix, Keith David
SYNOPSIS: An NFL journeyman struggles to deal with life’s complexities after his professional career is over at twenty-five.

LUV
Written and directed by Sheldon Candis and Justin Wilson, produced by Jason Berman, Datari Turner, W. Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Joel Newton, James Rosenthal, Common and Derek Dudley
CAST: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Michael Kenneth Williams and Meagan Good
SYNOPSIS: An orphaned eleven-year-old boy is forced to face an unpleasant truth about his beloved uncle during one harrowing day in the streets of Baltimore.

ELZA
Written and directed by Mariette MonPierre and Mama Keita, produced by Mariette MonPierre, Gerard LaCroix, Eric Basset
CAST: Stana Roumillac, Vincent Byrd Le Sage, Christophe Cherki, Sophie Berger
SYNOPSIS: A young Parisian woman of Caribbean descent returns to her native island of Guadeloupe in search of the father she has never known.

THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Produced and directed by Russ Parr, produced by Russ Parr, Eric Tomosunas, Scott Aronson and Isaiah Washington
CAST: Isaiah Washington, Louis Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Robinne Lee, Clifton Powell, Keith David and John Wesley
SYNOPSIS: Two minister’s opposing decisions destroy their friendship as the ascension of evil verses the struggle of an honest church impact the entire community.
Film awards presented include: Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, sponsored by Ciroc; Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, sponsored by Cadillac; Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor, sponsored by Gold Peak Tea; Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, sponsored by BET Networks; and Best Documentary sponsored by CNN. Prizes will be presented at ABFF’s culminating ceremony, The Winners Circle on June 23.

The four films in the narrative features category compete for ABFF’s Grand Jury Prizes for:
Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Best Actor, presented by Gold Peak Tea
Best Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks

The specific nominees are as follows:
Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Mariettte MonPierre and Mama Keita – ELZA
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Sheldon Candis – LUV
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME

Grand Jury Prize Best Performance by an Actor (Male or Female), presented by Gold Peak Tea
Common – LUV
Lance Gross – THE LAST FALL
Sheldon Sheppard – BETTER MUS’ COME
Isaiah Washington – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Nicole Behari – THE LAST FALL
Kimberly Elise – TIES THAT BIND
Malinda Williams – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks
THE LAST FALL
ELZA
LUV
THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, presented by CNN
THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf
FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince
THINK NFL, LOVE DAD (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser
SOUL FOOD JUNKIES, directed by Byron Hurt

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg And Girlfriend Priscilla Chan Update Status To ‘Married’ (PHOTOS)

By Sreeja VN

A day after Facebook went public, its co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg Saturday updated his relationship status to “married”. Zuckerberg had an eventful “timeline” this week with the addition of two events – Facebook IPO Friday and his wedding with his longtime girl friend Saturday.

This photo provided by Facebook shows Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan at their wedding ceremony in Palo Alto, Calif., Saturday, May 19, 2012. Zuckerberg updated his status to "married" on Saturday. The ceremony took place in Zuckerberg's backyard before fewer than 100 guests, who all thought they were there to celebrate Chan's graduation. (AP Photo/Facebook, Allyson Magda Photography)

Zuckerberg (28) tied the knot with his girlfriend Priscilla Chan (27) in a simple ceremony held in their backyard Saturday. The multi-billionaire placed a simple “ruby sparkler” in Chan’s finger in the ceremony which was attended by less than 100 guests in Palo Alto, California.

The wedding came as a surprise to the guests as they thought they were attending a party to celebrate Chan’s graduation from the UCSF medical school. The guests were informed about the marriage after they arrived at the event.

Both Zuckerberg and Chan announced their wedding on Facebook by changing their relationship status and by adding a “Life Event” to their Facebook timeline along with their photo in wedding dresses. Zuckerberg wore a dark blue suit and tie with a white shirt while Chan was dressed up in a traditional white laced wedding dress with a veil.

The event and the status were being “liked” by thousands of people and hundreds were commenting their wishes to the couple in their timeline.

Zuckerberg met Chan in Harvard in 2003 before he co-founded Facebook in 2004 and they had been dating for the last nine years.

Chan, born in Braintree in Massachusetts, did her schooling at Quincy High School and worked at FASE as director/mentor before completing her graduation from Harvard in 2007, according to her Facebook profile. For a year, she worked as a teacher at the Harker School and later joined the UCSF for her medical education.

Chan has written in her profile that she “likes cooking, the food network, warm places, sun dried tomatoes and diet a&w. i am a simple creature.”

Source: IBT

3 NATO protesters arrested, accused of plotting attacks on Obama Campaign HQ

An Illinois judge set bail at $1.5 million for each of the three suspects accused of traveling to Chicago “to commit acts of domestic terrorism” during the NATO summit.

In court, prosecutors accused the three men of “preparing for violence and destruction” such as stockpiling Molotov cocktails and other weapons and planning attacks on police.

According to the AP and MSNBC, prosecutors accused the three men of plotting attacks on President Barack Obama’s local campaign headquarters, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s house, police stations and other targets.

But the defense called those accusations “propaganda” and contended authorities “infiltrated” a peaceful group and set up the three men.

The judge set the three defendants’ next court date for Tuesday.

Fighting child sexual abuse in the Caribbean

KINGSTON, Jamaica, 18 May 2012 – A nine-year old boy was systematically raped by his pastor while his mother was at work; an 18-month old baby boy died of internal damage after being raped by his uncle; a little girl was infected with gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes and HIV by an uncle who was in and out of prison.

These are some of the cases Sandra Knight, a general practitioner at the paediatric hospital in Kingston, has treated over the years. The abuse tormented her, compelling her to speak out to the press. Dr. Knight’s accounts have created an uproar in the Eastern Caribbean, and an avalanche of front-page stories about child sexual abuse has followed.

“I felt that my peers were becoming complacent about this issue,” Dr. Knight said. “But I felt I had a tsunami in front of me, which was affecting me because I also have a 6-year-old daughter. I saw these children dying, getting sick, being traumatized for life.”

A silent emergency

Child sexual abuse is shrouded in secrecy and abetted by shame. While most abuse is hidden and up-to-date statistics are scarce, it is known that nearly 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 around the world have experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence worldwide.

In the Caribbean region, sexual violence against children is greatly underreported, and this abuse is often culturally sanctioned. A study in Jamaica indicated that men often believe they have a right to engage in sex with girls under their care, while children in Guyana reported believing that sexual violence can be blamed on a victim’s clothing. Sexual violence against boys is especially underreported, and in some countries, is not even recognized as a crime.

“Sexual abuse happens everywhere – at home, school and in other institutions, and has a serious physical, psychological and social impact, not only on girls and boys, but also on the fabric of society. It is one of the main factors that contribute to HIV infections, and that is why it is not surprising that this region has one of the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS worldwide,” said Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Regional Child Protection Adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Our experiences in preventing and responding to sexual abuse have taught us that laws by themselves have been ineffective in protecting children, mainly because of the silence surrounding the issue and the risks that victims face in speaking out – risks such as stigma, shame, harm and further violence. And then, often, children do not know where to turn.”

Source: UNICEF TV

Elite Reggae musicians set for 7th Bob Marley Day concert

BY JOSEPH MCHEKADONA

All roads will lead to the Kijitonyama Post Office grounds tomorrow when reggae music fans will be marking the 7th Caribbean Beat Concert (famously known as Bob Marley Day).

Bob Marley

The organizer of the country’s most popular reggae music concert, Benji Cosmo, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that reggae enthusiasts should expect superb gigs from celebrated names such as Warriors Band from A-Town, Ras Inno & the Innocent People Band as well as Jhikoman and Afrikabisa Band among others.

The Arusha-based Warriors Band, which was recently crowned as this year’s Best Reggae Band at Tanzania’s Music Awards 2012, will give the main performance.

Combined with the awesome lyrics from Ras Inno & the Innocent People Band, Jhikoman and Afrikabisa as well as five artists from Kizazi Kipya Cha Reggae (the new reggae generation) in the names of Dabo, Susu Man, Jahson, Chibwa & Ras Six, the organizer is confident the show will leave lasting memories in the brain folds of reggae fans.

“The crowd should expect to see a reggae concert like never seen before in Tanzania. Four bands, five reggae artists and ragga dancers…a total of 55 Artists all in one backstage….they should expect massive performances from Tanzanian reggae legends and upcoming reggae artists,” he said
Christened Bob Marley Day 2012, the concert, which is also celebrated around the world, is in honor of the life of a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician who put reggae on the world map, Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley.

Sponsored by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, PrimeTime Promotions, Cosmo Entertainment and Clouds FM’s Caribbean Beat, the night of the show will also see participants watching the finals of Champions League between Chelsea and Bayern Munich on big screens.

“We are doing everything possible to make this year’s, Bob Marley Day a special one to everyone who will be able to attend. With just an entrance fee of 5000/-, they will be able to watch the country’s best reggae performance between 8:00pm and 5:00am. We have arranged ample parking for more than 100 cars with over 40 security personnel inside and outside the venue. There will also be plenty of drinks and food,” said Cosmo.

Caribbean Beat is derived from a reggae show aired on Clouds FM every Sunday night from 10pm-midnight. “Tamasha La Caribbean Beat” was officially launched in 2006 as a platform and focus on building Tanzanian reggae talent by promoting artists through concerts and events.
This event is managed by Cosmo, a leading promoter of reggae music in Tanzania.

A Tanzanian artist who has made it commercially through such events is Amini who was first discovered performing on a Caribbean Beat stage.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Windies legend urges Chanderpaul to move up

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara feels in-form Shivnarine Chanderpaul should bat at number three and is wasted down the order.
Chanderpaul has recently returned to the summit of the Test batting rankings after a superb series against Australia in the Caribbean.

The 37-year-old scored runs for fun against the Baggy Greens and remains as talented and productive as ever despite his advancing years.

The Guyana star has scored in excess of 10,000 Test runs at an average of more than 50 and his wicket will be the most coveted by the England attack over the next few weeks.

The Windies’ Achilles heel over the three Tests will probably be their top order, with the likes of Kieran Powell and Kirk Edwards relatively inexperienced in the five-day game.

And with that in mind, Lara feels it would be prudent for coach Ottis Gibson to move Chanderpaul up from his current position at number five to the vital spot in the line-up at first wicket down.

Asked why Chanderpaul was batting so low, Lara replied: “It beats me. It is something that I’ve not talked in public about but I would want to know why.

“If he can be so consistent, why he wouldn’t say ‘let me bat with some more experienced or talented players up the order’? That’s not only going to benefit him but it would help the team.”

And the record-breaking left-hander insists that it is always best to have your top batsmen entering the fray when he can have a positive effect on proceedings.

“Your best batter is going to be at number three – he is going to lay the foundations to win a match,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “If your best batter is coming in five, repairing damage, I don’t understand the logic.”

Source: Eat Sleep Sports

Grenada earns 2 two titles at Caribbean triathlon championships!

Nearly 300 athletes competed at the 25th annual Tri de Spice in Grenada last Sunday at Port Louis Marina. The event doubled as the Caribbean championships and the day started with the sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and the Olympic distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) triathlons. Athletes came from all over the world including, USA, Canada, UK, Norway, France, Germany, and many of the Caribbean islands to compete for the nearly $20,000 in cash and prizes as well as bragging rights.

Alexandra Consten from Germany won the women’s Olympic distance triathlon, and Ancil Greene from Trinidad won the men’s race. Ancil was also named the Caribbean Champion for the men. Clare Morrall from Grenada, who placed third overall, closely behind some very stiff international competition, won the women’s Caribbean Championship title. The women’s Sprint race was won by Salome Buglass of Trinidad and the men’s by Troy Felix of Grenada. They were both awarded the Caribbean championship title for Sprint Triathlon.
The Republic Bank Right Start Inter-school Triathlon championships took place in the afternoon with almost 200 children, the youngest being only 4 years old. There were 6 different age groups, all doing different distances, some choosing to race individually while others chose to race as a three-person team. The junior school girls category was won by Westmorland while the boys was won by Grenada Montessori and Preparatory School. In the Senior School girls category there was a tie for 1st place between Westmorland and St Joseph’s convent. The Senior School Boys category was won by GBSS. Congratulations goes to the individual winners in each race, Meriah Julien, Stefan Mason, Nixe Ogilvie, Katie Lillie, D’Andre Stephen, Jayden Hyson, Sydnee Steele, Diane Fakhre, River Mitchell, Tilly Collymore, Harper Pickel-Topale. A special mention goes out to Deb Eastwood and the Grenada Youth Adventurers that came with a huge team and did extremely well.
A special thanks goes out to all of our sponsors and supporters especially Deco Industries, taking care of all our T-shirt, tote bag and printing needs, Digicel, the bigger better network, Insurance Consults Ltd, the official insurance of the Tri de Spice, Savvy’s Restaurant and Bar, Republic Bank, sponsors of the Right Start Inter-school Triathlon Championships, and True Blue Bay Resort, the host hotel.

Source: Spice Islander

Bermuda suffer loss ahead of Caribbean Championships

Bermuda’s national rugby team warmed for their opening NACRA Caribbean Championship game with a 38-33 defeat to USA South in Florida at the weekend.

The Islanders, who take on Cayman Islands later this month, started strongly, pressuring the hosts deep into their own 22 metre area and almost took the lead through David Pringle who was held up just before the try line.
Lawrence Bird’s 23-man squad, which included several debutants, fell behind to a try and conversion but drew level almost immediately. Bermuda spoiled the USA South’s ball and managed to create the turnover with prop forward Jahan Cedenio barging past the opposition’s fly half before rounding the full back to score Bermuda’s first try, which was converted by Ian Henderson.

USA South were next on the scoreboard with another well-worked try but Bermuda were again quick to respond with a try from Bongani Ndlovu, which Shauntino Simons converted to give the scoreline parity.
Henderson added a penalty for Bermuda before USA South added to their score with another converted try.
Moments before the interval, Bermuda’s Andre Landy barrelled his way over the line with Simons adding a touchline conversion to leave the score 24-24 at half-time.
Both teams rung the changes during the break, which effected the flow of the game and the only try of the second period went USA South’s way.
The remainder of Bermuda’s points came from the boots of Henderson and Simons, who struck a 40-metre effort to draw the game level at 33-33.
However, with Bermuda’s Peter Dunkerley in the sin-bin, USA South crossed the line for the only try in the second half in the dying minutes.
Bermuda begin the defence of their Caribbean Championships title against Cayman Islands at the National Sports Centre on May 19.

The Island are scheduled to play four North Zone group games against Cayman and Bahamas; two home and two away. The three South Zone teams are Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad.
This year’s Championship winners will advance as the sole Caribbean representatives in the 2015 World Cup qualifiers to be held in England.
Bermuda, who are 49th in the International Rugby Board’s world rankings, are the top ranked side in the Caribbean.
n Fn Former Wales rugby captain Gwyn Jones is on the Island this week and will be regaling rugby enthusiasts with tales of tries, tours and what it feels like to listen to 70,000 hwyl-filled Welshmen roar you to victory.
Jones is the guest speaker at Renegades Rugby Club’s annual dinner on Saturday night at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club and as well as describing the highs of leading his nation, the former open-side flanker will touch on what it’s like to have it all snatched away in an instant.

Now a broadcaster with Welsh-language station S4C and the BBC, Jones was just 25 when he suffered an injury playing for Cardiff against Swansea in 1997 that left him paralysed for five days.
A compressed spine meant having to learn to walk again and ending his international career with 13 caps, just as it was getting started.
As well as entertaining the crowd, Jones will also be handing out the club’s annual awards which include several MVP categories.

Source: Royal Gazette

BRENDON MCCULLUM RESTED, TOM LATHAM COMES BACK FOR ONE-DAY LEG OF WEST INDIES TOUR – CRICKET NEWS UPDATE

Opening batsman Brendon McCullum has been rested from New Zealand’s ODI and T20I squads as the Kiwi selectors announced separate squads for all the three formats for Kiwis’ next month’s tour of West Indies.

Brendon-McCullum

The NZC selection manager told the media reporters that McCullum has played a lot of cricket recently and it was decided to rest him for the initial part of the Caribbean itinerary, comprising two T20 Internationals and five One Day Internationals.

“We have picked three strong squads for what will be a tough tour of the West Indies,” said Littlejohn while speaking to the media reporters after announcing the squads.

“We asked Brendon McCullum to take a break during the short-form component of the tour. The team is about to embark on a heavy program of international cricket and we will need to sensibly manage the workload of our players,” he added further.

The 30-year-old Otago born wicketkeeper batsman, who led the Black Caps for the major part of their home series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, with Ross Taylor battling a calf injury, is currently playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing fifth instalment of the cash-rich Indian Premier League. The league is due to end on May 27, if KKR makes it to the final, and just two weeks after the IPL concludes, the Kiwis will leave for West Indies tour.

In McCullum’s absence, BJ Watling, who has completely recovered from the hip injury, will keep wickets in five ODIs and two T20 Internationals against Windies.

After being overlooked for the home series against Proteas, the left-handed Canterbury batsman, Tom Latham has been recalled into the side, for both the ODIs and T20s. Littlejohn said that the tour provides the rookie batsman an opportunity to cement his place in the national side.

“Tom Latham comes back into the short-form teams after showing a great deal of promise during his first series against Zimbabwe,” Littlejohn said. “This tour presents an opportunity for Tom to build on the good start he has made to his international career,” he added further.

The 20-year-old lower-order batsman debuted in February earlier this year and has so far played in only three One Day Internationals.

All-rounder Jacob Oram has also recovered from calf injury and has been included in both the ODI and T20 squads.

New Zealand will play two T20 Internationals on June 30 and July 1 at Lauderhill, before playing the five ODI series between July 5 and July 16.

Bolt wins 100 meters at Jamaica Invitational

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Usain Bolt won the 100 meters in 9.82 seconds in the Jamaica International Invitational on Saturday night, a month before the sprinting powerhouse’s Olympic trials.

The crowd cheered wildly when Bolt won in his first 100 of the year, giving him a standing ovation after the race that had two false starts. The time was the fastest in the world this year.

“It’s always a joy,” Bolt said. “I was very happy to come here and see all the people who came out.”

The crowd included the Caribbean country’s prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller.

Even before the race, the confident Bolt got the hometown crowd going with a quick “To Di World” pose, in which he points to the sky as if he’s about to shoot an arrow into the sky.

In the Beijing Olympics four years ago, Bolt won gold medals and set world records in the 100 and 200 and helped Jamaica win and set a world record in 400 relay.

Jamaica’s Michael Frater was second in 10.00.

American Carmelita Jeter won the women’s 100 in 10.81, the best time in the world this season.

American Bershawn Jackson won the 400 hurdles in 48.73 seconds, and Ben Bruce dominated the 3,000 steeplechase, finishing in 8:34.17 to beat fellow American Donnie Cowart.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press